Springfield high school one of 25 healthiest

Sacred Heart-Griffin High School has one of the 25 healthiest student bodies in the nation, at least according to the milk industry.

Pete Sherman

Sacred Heart-Griffin High School has one of the 25 healthiest student bodies in the nation, at least according to the milk industry.

MilkPEP, the marketing arm of U.S. dairy processors, held an essay contest for high schools earlier this year challenging students to make the case that their school places exceptional value on fitness and nutrition.

Of course, students also were encouraged to mention how milk fits in, according to SHG senior John Zimmerman, whose essay earned the Springfield school the designation, a $1,000 grant and a free “Got Milk?” pep rally scheduled for Oct. 11.

Zimmerman remembers learning about the contest last school year. He submitted a brief essay — he recalls it was roughly 75 words long — touting SHG’s athletic programs and its nutritious lunches. SHG alternates salad, pasta and other food bars with staples such as pizza.

“There’s always salad,” he said. “I usually get a slice of pizza, or use the salad or pasta bar.”

SHG Principal Sr. Margaret Joanne Grueter said there was no schoolwide campaign to win a place on MilkPEP’s roster of healthiest schools, but said the contest was included on a list the school maintains of various competitions in which students can participate voluntarily.

“One student saw the opportunity and took the challenge,” Grueter said.

There are no plans yet for how the school will spend the $1,000 prize money, she said. However, Grueter said, Zimmerman’s interests might play a role in the decision.

During a study hall break Wednesday afternoon, Zimmerman tried to remember parts of his essay, which he says he lost after in a computer mishap.

In addition to the grant, Zimmerman also will be awarded prizes during the “Got Milk?” rally.

Kathryn Sass, an assistant account executive for the public relations firm handling the contest for MilkPEP, said all 25 schools will receive the same rewards, including the pep rally. The first school visit, in New Haven, Conn., took place earlier this month. A school in Atlanta will be the final stop in mid-December.

The essay contest, launched to draw attention to high U.S. obesity rates, was judged by panels from the School Nutrition Association and the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Pete Sherman can be reached at (217) 788-1539 or pete.sherman@sj-r.com.